Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Sacred Lessons
24 September 2023
By the Grace of God 17th Sunday After Pentecost – 1st Sunday of St Luke
The Miraculous Catch

Compiled, Adapted, Edited & Printed

By Marguerite Paizis
Archondissa & Teacher by Divine Grace
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
Holy Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God
Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa

marguerite.paizis@gmail.com
or download directly from
Marguerite Paizis on Scribd – www.scribd.com/writers4574

Re-edited & Published - 11 September 2023

Resurrection Gospel 5 – Luke 24 : 12 – 35

2 Timothy 3 : 10 – 15
Luke 5 : 1 – 11

24.17AP-1 L UKE M IRACUL OU S C ATCH – 24 S EPTEM BE R 2023

 The Inspired Wisdom of our Holy Fathers
St Tikhon of Zadonsk: “…As often as people feel in their heart the
Resurrection Gospel 5 – Luke 24 : 13 – 35 Sweetness of Love for God, so often are they flooded with Joy. Just
a honey is a joy to taste, so Love for God bring Joy to our heart, for
Our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ Appears along the road to Emmaus we ‘…taste and confirm how Good God is!” [Psalm 33:9]
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, δύο ἐξ αὐτῶν At that time, two of them were St Nektarios of Pentapolis: “… Our Aim in Life is to become Perfect
ἦσαν πορευόμενοι ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ and Holy. To show ourselves to be Children of God and Inheritors
travelling that same day to a
of the Eternal Kingdom of Heaven. We should therefore be very
ἡμέρᾳ εἰς κώμην ἀπέχουσαν village, which was seven miles careful lest, for the sake of this present life, we are deprived of the
σταδίους ἑξήκοντα ἀπὸ from Jerusalem, called Emmaus. future Life. In case, because of the cares and concerns of this
Ἱερουσαλήμ, ᾗ ὄνομα Ἐμμαούς, current lifespan we neglect the Aims of our Life. Fastings, Vigils
and Prayer do not of themselves bring the desired Spiritual Fruits,
Καὶ αὐτοὶ ὡμίλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους And they discussed all these things for they are not the Aim of Life but they are the means for us to
περὶ πάντων τῶν συμβεβηκότων that had happened. achieve our ultimate Aim.”
τούτων. St Ivan of Valaam Monastery: “… It is Good for us to practise the
Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ὁμιλεῖν αὐτοὺς And while they conversed and
‘Jesus Prayer.’ Our Holy Fathers refer to this Prayer as being ‘the
καὶ συζητεῖν, καί Αὐτὸς ὁ Queen of the Virtues,’ because it attracts other Holy Virtues to our
reasoned, Jesus Himself drew Immortal soul. But the more sublime the Prayer, the more effort it
Ἰησοῦς ἐγγίσας συνεπορεύετο near and went with them. requires.”
αὐτοῖς· St Silouan the Athonite: “… I have learnt that Love varies as regards
Οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτῶν ἐκρατοῦντο Their eyes were restrained, so that its intensity. Those who Fear God are afraid to sadden Him in some
τοῦ μὴ ἐπιγνῶναι Αὐτόν. they did not recognise Him. way. That is the first stage. Those whose mind is free of malicious
thoughts have reached the second stage, which is greater than the
Εἶπε δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς· “Τίνες οἱ He said to them: “What kind of first. Those who feel Grace in their soul are at the third stage of
λόγοι οὗτοι οὓς ἀντιβάλλετε conversation is this that you Love, which is even greater. The fourth stage, Perfect Love for God,
πρὸς ἀλλήλους περιπατοῦντες, have with one another as you is when they have the Grace of God the Holy Spirit in their soul and
καὶ ἐστὲ σκυθρωποί?” body.”
walk and are so sorrowful?”
Archimandrite Symeon Krayiopoulos: “… When our inner person is a
Ἀποκριθείς δὲ ὁ εἷς, ᾧ ὄνομα The one whose name was Cleopas tangled mess, we have to do everything possible so that, with the
Κλεόπας, εἶπε πρὸς Αὐτόν· “Σὺ answered and said to Him: “Art Help of our Lord God, we can sort ourselves out. If that is not
μόνος παροικεῖς ἐν Ἱερουσαλήμ, Thou the only Stranger in possible, then let us break it off and cast it out of our soul, so that
καὶ οὐκ ἔγνως τὰ γενόμενα ἐν the soul can stand free before God’s Grace and receive His Great
Jerusalem, and does Thou not Mercy.”
αὐτῇ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις? know the things that have Elder Ephraim Vatopaidinos: “… The Thing that Fortifies themind in
happened there in these days?” our Struggle is a permanent inclination towards Repentance and
Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· “Ποῖα?” And He said to them: “What the constant Invocation of the Divine Name, as in the Prayer: “O
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have Mercy on me, a sinner!” St
things?” Paul said: ‘No one can say “Lord Jesus” except in the Holy Spirit. So
Οἱ δὲ εἶπον Αὐτῷ· “Τὰ περὶ Ἰησοῦ They said to Him: “The things every time we call the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Holy
τοῦ Ναζωραίου, ὃς ἐγένετο ἀνὴρ concerning Jesus of Nazareth, Spirit is with us and where He is Present, no form of evil or grievous
passion can abide!”
Προφήτης Δυνατὸς ἐν Ἔργῳ καὶ Who was a Prophet, Mighty in
Archimandrite Georgios, Abbot, St Gregoriou: “… Worship is not
Λόγῳ ἐναντίον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Deeds and Word before God and restricted to a few Prayers of Thanksgiving, which we address to
παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ· ὅπως τε all the people; and how the Chief God for His Gifts or particular Requests for our Salvation, Health
παρέδωκαν αὐτὸν οἱ Ἀρχιερεῖς Priests and our Rulers delivered and Security. Rather, it becomes a continuous disposition of our
καὶ οἱ Ἂρχοντες ἡμῶν εἰς κρῖμα Him to be condemned to death, soul, and an Act of Praise and Thanksgiving God for the Gifts of His
θανάτου, καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν Αὐτόν· Love and, especially, the Gift of His Incarnate Son. It is complete
and crucified Him.
confidence in our Creator and an entrusting of our Life to Him.”
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 • Being suddenly cast into the Divine Light of Christ, Pious and Ἡμεῖς δὲ ἠλπίζομεν ὅτι Αὐτός “We were hoping that it was He
sincere people like St Simon Peter become keenly aware of their
ἐστιν ὁ μέλλων Λυτροῦσθαι τὸν Who was going to Deliver Israel.
own unworthiness.
Ἰσραήλ.
• It is almost a cry of Spiritual Pain from the humble, impulsive
Fisherman who would soon become one of the greatest Holy Ἀλλά γε οὖν σὺν πᾶσι τούτοις “Besides all this, today is the Third
Apostles of Christ. Τρίτην ταύτην Ἡμέραν ἄγει Day since these things happened.
• The other Fishermen - “...James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Σήμερον, ἀφ' οὗ ταῦτα ἐγένετο.
who were partners with Simon...” - had known our Lord Jesus Ἀλλὰ καὶ Γυναῖκές τινες ἐξ ἡμῶν
for most of their life, for they were related through our Lady, “However, some Women of our
Theotokos. ἐξέστησαν ἡμᾶς, γενόμεναι company, astonished us, having
• Living in a small region, people were often very well acquainted
ὂρθριαι ἐπὶ τὸ Μνημεῖον, καὶ μὴ gone earlier to the Tomb, and
with each other. εὑροῦσαι τὸ Σῶμα Αὐτοῦ, when they did not find His Body,
 “...And Jesus said to Simon: “Do not fear! From now on you shalt ἦλθον λέγουσαι καὶ ὀπτασίαν they beheld a Vision of Angels
catch men.” Ἀγγέλων ἑωρακέναι, οἳ who said He is alive!
• Our Lord Jesus Christ always reassures the heart and soul of those λέγουσιν Αὐτὸν Ζῆν!
who are anxious or afraid. Καὶ ἀπῆλθόν τινες τῶν σὺν ἡμῖν “And some of those who were with
• He makes His intentions very clear to those whom He Calls to ἐπὶ τὸ Μνημεῖον, καὶ εὗρον us went to the Tomb and found it
fulfil His Divine Will and Salvific Mission on Earth. οὕτω καθὼς καὶ αἱ Γυναῖκες just as the Women had said.
• Those who fulfil His Earthly Mission – the Salvation of all mankind εἶπον·
- must likewise be neither devious nor deceptive.
“Αὐτὸν δὲ οὐκ εἶδον.” “Him they did not see.”
• It is crucial for Faithful Disciples to always be honest, truthful and
sincere. Καὶ Αὐτὸς εἶπε πρὸς αὐτούς· “Ὦ And He said to them: “O foolish
• Our thoughts, words and deeds should always honour, worship ἀνόητοι καὶ βραδεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ ones, and slow of heart to
and Glorify our Heavenly Father. τοῦ Πιστεύειν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς believe in everything spoken by
• True Fishermen of Christ do not ‘lure’ nor ‘hook’ mankind - but ἐλάλησαν οἱ Προφῆται! the Prophets!
draw us closer to God – into His Divine Presence of Love, Mercy
and Goodness.
“Οὐχὶ ταῦτα ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν “Ought not the Christ to have
Χριστὸν καὶ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν suffered these things and to
 “...And when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all
and followed Him.”
Δόξαν Αὐτοῦ?” enter into His Glory?”
• They chose to follow our Lord instead of continuing as mundane Καὶ ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ Μωσέως καὶ And beginning with Moses and all
Fishermen. ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν Προφητῶν, the Prophets, He explained to
• It was indeed a leap of Faith because they trusted our Lord διηρμήνευεν αὐτοῖς ἐν πάσαις them all the Scriptures
implicitly and were willing to accompany Him wherever He led ταῖς Γραφαῖς τὰ περὶ Ἑαυτοῦ. concerning Himself.
them.
• It was not a matter of totally abandoning their families and
Καὶ ἤγγισαν εἰς τὴν κώμην οὗ And drawing near to the village
commitments, but choosing to be closer to our Divine Saviour ἐπορεύοντο, καὶ Αὐτὸς where they were going, He
Whose Rewards are priceless and Eternal. προσεποιεῖτο ποῤῥωτέρω indicated that He would have
• This shows the depth of their Faith in God! πορεύεσθαι. gone further.
Καὶ παρεβιάσαντο Αὐτόν, And they constrained Him, saying:
λέγοντες· “Μεῖνον μεθ' ἡμῶν, “Abide with us, for it is nearly
ὅτι πρὸς ἑσπέραν ἐστὶ καὶ evening, and the day is far
κέκλικεν ἡ ἡμέρα.” spent.”
Καὶ εἰσῆλθε τοῦ μεῖναι σὺν αὐτοῖς. And He went in to stay with them.
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 this I do for the Gospel’s sake, that I may be Partaker of It with
Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ κατακλιθῆναι And as He sat at the table with you…”
Αὐτὸν μετ' αὐτῶν, λαβὼν τὸν them, He took bread, Blessed it
and broke it, and gave it to • When we implicitly trust in God and are humbly Obedient to Him
ἄρτον Εὐλόγησε, καὶ κλάσας in all circumstances, we are able to achieve marvellous things
ἐπεδίδου αὐτοῖς. them.
that are usually impossible for us to accomplish by our own
Αὐτῶν δὲ διηνοίχθησαν οἱ Their eyes were opened and they abilities.
ὀφθαλμοί, καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν recognised Him. • Whenever St Simon Peter, and all the other Holy Apostles, put
their complete Trust in Christ our Lord, they accomplished
Αὐτόν·
impossible, incredible Feats. Yet when they doubted or
Καὶ αὐτὸς ἄφαντος ἐγένετο ἀπ' And He vanished from their sight. hesitated, they failed. This is a vital Lesson to us all!
αὐτῶν.  “…And when they had done this, they caught a great number of
Καὶ εἶπον πρὸς ἀλλήλους· “Οὐχὶ ἡ And they said to one another: “Did fish. Their net was breaking. And they signalled to their
partners in the other boat to help them. And they came, and
καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν ἐν not our hearts burn within us
filled both boats, until they began to sink…”
ἡμῖν, ὡς ἐλάλει ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, while He spoke with us on the
• “… they caught a great number of Fish…” which was far greater
καὶ ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν τὰς road, and while He opened the
than any haul they had ever netted before through all those
Γραφάς? Scriptures to us?” innumerable, long nights.
Καὶ ἀναστάντες αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ, And they arose that very hour and • Likewise, Life in Christ consists of so many amazing Wonders and
returned to Jerusalem, and adventures far beyond any of our expectations or imagination.
ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ,
καὶ εὗρον συνηθροισμένους found the Eleven and those who • Having “… filled both boats, unto they began to sink…” confirms
were with them gathered the Miraculous Catch as being so abundant that even two boats
τοὺς Ἔνδεκα καὶ τοὺς σὺν could barely manage to haul it ashore without sinking from
αὐτοῖς, λέγοντας, “Ὄτι ἠγέρθη ὁ together, saying: “The Lord is
their weight.
Κύριος ὄντως, καὶ ὤφθη Risen indeed, and has Appeared
• This shows us that our Lord Jesus Christ
Σίμωνι!” to Simon!” 1. Is truly the Lord of all Creation.
Καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐξηγοῦντο τὰ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, And they related all the things that 2. Grants His Blessings in great Abundance
3. Everything is possible according to His Divine Will.
καὶ ὡς ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς ἐν τῇ had happened along the road,
κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου. and how He was known to them • This Miraculous Catch fulfilled the ancient Prophecy:
 Jeremiah 16:16 “… Behold! I shall send many Fishermen, and they
by the breaking of bread.
shall fish them.”
• The Festal Apolytikion of Pentecost declares: “… Through the
Fishermen, Thou drew the world to Thee!”
 “…two of them were travelling that same day to a village, which was
seven miles from Jerusalem, called Emmaus …” “…Seeing, Simon Peter fell down at Jesus’ Knees, saying: “Depart
from me for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who
• These two Faithful Disciples of Christ were St Cleophas and St Luke. were with him were astonished at the catch of fish, which they
• St Cleopas was the younger brother of St Joseph the Betrothed, and had taken, as well as James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who
thus also an ‘uncle’ of Theotokos. He was one of our Lord’s 70 were partners with Simon…”
Apostles and his son was St Symon “the Zealot.” • “…Seeing…” the Great Miraculous Catch and being overwhelmed
• St Luke “the Beloved Physician” was from Antioch, Syria, and was an by what had occurred, “…Simon Peter fell down at Jesus’
Iconographer and later, one of Christ’s Evangelists, who was a Knees…” because he was utterly humbled and regretted his
close friend of our Lady, Theotokos and the other Disciples. He initial reluctance to obey our Lord’s request.
was one of the 70 Holy Apostles of Christ, and had accompanied • St Simon Peter’s immediate reaction was to say: “...Depart from me
St Paul on several of his Missionary Journeys. for I am a sinful man, O Lord!...” due to the transforming,
• It was customary for authors of the Holy Gospels and other writings overwhelming and wonderful Presence of such obvious Divine
not to name themselves, but the other Faithful Disciples knew Power.
who they were. • His words were not a rejection of our Lord Jesus.

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 • “…sitting down, He taught the multitudes…” It was Traditional for  “…And they discussed all these things that had happened. And
Teachers to instruct their disciples from a seated position. while they conversed and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near and
 Matthew 5:1-2 “… seeing the multitudes, He went up on a went with them. Their eyes were restrained, so that they did not
mountain, and when He was seated… He opened His Mouth recognise Him…”
and taught them…” • “… they discussed all these things that had happened…” the previous
 “…When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon: “Launch into week concerning our Lord Jesus Christ – His betrayal, His unjust,
the deep, and let down your nets for a catch…” illegal arrest trial and crucifixion, and then, earlier that day, the
Myrrhbearers’ Proclamation of His Resurrection – all as He had
• “… Launch out into the deep…” was regarded by St Ambrose as
foretold.
having a Spiritual Meaning to the Divine Commandment. It was
an Invitation by our Lord Jesus Christ to give our life over – to • The unjustified arrest, trials, scourging and crucifixion of our Lord
voluntarily and willingly surrender ourselves – to the profound Jesus Christ broke every law known to mankind. Yet it all
Mystery of the Knowledge of God, the Eternal Son of God. fulfilled the ancient Prophecies concerning our Divine
 “…And Simon answered and said to Him: ‘Master, we have toiled Messiah/Saviour.
all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Thy Word I shall • “…while they conversed and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near
let down the net.’ …” and went with them…” – Usually fellow travellers would join in
• St Simon Peter was an experienced Fisherman. They usually fished conversations while they walked along the roads to the distant
at night so that the shoals of fish could not see the thick nets, villages and cities, so they were not surprised by His Appearance,
like they would in the bright daylight. accepting Him as merely another Man going in the same direction.
Not having caught anything all night long, they would certainly not • Our Resurrected Lord Jesus Appeared while they were trying to make
have expected to catch anything that bright, sunny morning. sense of everything that had occurred, for they were still rather
• “…Nevertheless, at Thy Word…” having voiced his opinion, St perplexed and confused by it all.
Simon Peter then obeyed the Will of our Lord and they cast out • When we sincerely seek Divine Truth, it shall be granted to us, so
their nets yet again. that we can fulfil our Sacred Tasks as we Strive for Spiritual
• Our Lord Jesus Christ draws people to Himself by means of things Perfection.
that are familiar to them. • “…Their eyes were restrained, so that they did not recognise Him…”
1. He drew the pagan Magi to Him by means of an Unique Star Although they were not expecting to see our Lord Jesus and
[Matthew 2:2] might have been too deeply engrossed in their conversation, they
2. He drew the drew the despised Tax Collectors/Publicans to must have looked at Him when they spoke to Him and when He
Him by means of another Tax Collector – (St Matthew Levi) explained everything to them, yet did not recognise Him at all.
[Luke 5:29] • Our Resurrected Lord Appeared in an altered Form, but He always
3. He drew the humble Fishermen by means of a Miraculous Identifies Himself.
Catch of fish. [Luke 5:1-11] • His Eleven Resurrection Gospels concerning His Appearances to His
• Every type and degree of sinner is drawn to our Lord God due to Faithful Disciples, teaches us that we, too, shall be Resurrected in
His infinite Love, Great Mercy and Divine Goodness. an altered form, forever connected to our Beloved family and
friends by our Agape – Unconditional, Perfect Love.
• Many sinners have Repented their sins after witnessing the dire
consequences of others in similar circumstances, and thereby • Our Lord Jesus Christ did not suddenly Appear next to them, but
yearning for a close, intimate Relationship with our Lord God. behind them and then “…drew near…” and accompanied them
 1 Corinthians 9: 19 – 23: St Paul told the Corinthians “… for the rest of the day.
although I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant • He Appeared to them in a “…veiled manner…” which demonstrates
to all, that I might win the more, and to the Judeans I became His great Compassion and concern for the emotions of His
as a Judean that I might win Judeans, to those who are under Disciples.
the law, as being under the law, that I might with those who not  “…He said to them: ‘What kind of conversation is this that you have
being without Law towards God, but under Law towards are with one another as you walk and are so sorrowful?’”
under the law, to those who are without law, as without law
(Christ) that I might win those who are without law, to the weak • Although our Lord Jesus Christ knows all our thoughts, words and
I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all deeds – even those hidden from others – He wanted His Disciples
things to all men, that I mighty by all means Save some. Now to explain everything in their own words.
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 • Sometimes, when relating an unusual experience, we get a better Καὶ κατένευσαν τοῖς μετόχοις τοῖς And they signalled to their
perception of what occurred and are thus able to deal with it.
ἐν τῷ ἑτέρῳ πλοίῳ τοῦ ἐλθόντας partners in the other boat to
• All His Faithful Apostles and Disciples were profoundly heart-broken συλλαβέσθαι αὐτοῖς· help them.
and traumatised by the past week’s Extraordinary Events, that
caused such indescribable, unjustified, brutal humiliation, torture Καὶ ἦλθον, καὶ ἔπλησαν ἀμφότερα And they came, and filled both
and Death of our Divine Saviour. τὰ πλοῖα, ὥστε βυθίζεσθαι αὐτά. boats, until they began to sink.
• They had failed to grasp His Words when He had tried to reassure Ἰδὼν δὲ Σίμων Πέτρος προσέπεσε Seeing, Simon Peter fell down at
them of His Glorious Resurrection that would occur “on the Third
τοῖς Γόνασιν Ἰησοῦ λέγων· Jesus’ Knees, saying: “Depart
Day,” and were thus overwhelmed by their intense grief.
“Ἔξελθε ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι ἀνὴρ from me for I am a sinful man, O
 “…The one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him: ‘Art ἁμαρτωλός εἰμι, Κύριε!” Lord!”
Thou the only Stranger in Jerusalem, and does Thou not know the
things that have happened there in these days?’ And He said to Θάμβος γὰρ περιέσχεν αὐτὸν καὶ For he and all who were with him
them: ‘What things?’…” πάντας τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ ἐπὶ τῇ were astonished at the catch of
• These words expressed the incredulity of St Cleopas who could not ἄγρᾳ τῶν ἰχθύων ᾗ συνέλαβον, fish, which they had taken, as
understand how anyone could have been in Jerusalem for the ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ Ἰάκωβον καὶ well as James and John, the sons
Passover and NOT have been aware of the tragic Events of Christ’s Ἰωάννην, υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου, οἳ of Zebedee, who were partners
Passion.
ἦσαν κοινωνοὶ τῷ Σίμωνι. with Simon.
• For centuries the Old Covenant Faithful congregated in Jerusalem to
Commemorate the Annual Feast of Passover/Pascha, which Καὶ εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα ὁ And Jesus said to Simon: “Do not
required great multitudes of sacrificial lambs for the Blood Ἰησοῦς· “Μὴ φοβοῦ! Ἀπὸ τοῦ fear! From now on you shalt
Offerings for the Forgiveness of sin of the Celebrant High Priests νῦν ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν.” catch men.”
and for all the people.
The Old Covenant Passover/Pascha Blood Offerings had been Καὶ καταγαγόντες τὰ πλοῖα ἐπὶ τὴν And when they had brought their
fulfilled forever and are now replaced by the New Covenant γῆν, ἀφέντες ἅπαντα boats to land, they forsook all
Pascha and the bloodless Offerings at each Holy ἠκολούθησαν Αὐτῷ. and followed Him.
Eucharist/Communion, for the Forgiveness of our habitual sins so
that eventually we may worthily receive Eternal Life in God our
Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Love.
 “…As [our Lord] Jesus stood by the Lake of Gennesaret He beheld
two boats standing by the Lake. The Fishermen had gone from
• The atrocious scourging and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ – them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats,
“the Lamb of God” – was the Ultimate, Most Perfect and Final which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the
Blood Sacrifice for the Forgiveness of our Ancestral sin. land. And sitting down, He taught the multitudes from the
• Our Loving God has provided us with every means possible to boat…”
acquire Agape – Unconditional Love - Spiritual Perfection, Theosis • The “Lake of Gennesaret” is also known as the “Sea of Galilee”. It
or Deification as He intended us to become when He created us in is approximately 13 miles/20,92kilometres long and 7 miles/
His Divine Image and Likeness. kilometres wide. Its ancient name “Gennesaret” was derived
• Our Lord Jesus Christ is our Divine and Eternal High Priest Who from a small plain on its western shore.
voluntarily Offered Himself as the Final, Great Blood Offering of • Two of the fishing boats had been pulled ashore, and the
the Old Covenant. fishermen were attending to the cleaning and repair of their
He now offers His Bloodless, Life-giving Body and Blood of the Holy fishing nets.
Eucharist/Communion of the New Covenant that Regenerates,
• “… one of the boats… was Simon’s…” – it belonged to fisherman
Restores and Reconciles us, body and soul, with our Triune
who would become our Lord’s Holy Apostle, St Simon Peter,
Almighty God.
whose unshakeable, solid Faith earned him the nick-name
• Our Lord Jesus encouraged St Cleopas and St Luke to tell Him “Petros” [Peter]. Christ would later establish His Holy Church
everything from their own understanding and perspective that on that same type of Rock-like Faith of all His Faithful Apostles
had happened during this highly significant Festal Season, by and Disciples.
prompting them with His question: “…What things?” [Refer to
abovementioned note.]
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 Finally, in 80, St Timothy was Perfected in Holy Martyrdom after having tried to  “…They said to Him: ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, Who
halt a pagan procession, ceremonies and idolatrous festivities. was a Prophet, Mighty in Deeds and Word before God and all the
In response to his preaching of the Holy Gospel to the multitude, the angry people; and how the Chief Priests and our Rulers delivered Him to
pagans beat him severely, tied him up and then dragged him through the be condemned to death, and crucified Him….”
streets, before stoning him to death.
During the fourth century, the Holy Relics of St Timothy were transferred to the • Their words “…Jesus of Nazareth… a Prophet, Mighty in Deeds and
Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. Word before God and all the people…” described how the Old
St Timothy, the Faithful Spiritual Son of St Paul, the Great Apostle to the Covenant Faithful identified and or regarded our Lord Jesus
Gentiles, is honoured together with the 70 Apostles whom Christ our Lord had Christ.
sent out to preach His Divine Gospel of Love to all the Nations throughout the • His Disciples as well as “… all the people…” recognised our Saviour
world. as ‘… a Prophet…” of God because of what He taught them and
how well He always spoke and acted.
St Cleopas, being a brother of St Joseph the Betrothed, would have
known Christ since His early childhood, as did several other
Apostles and Disciples who grew up with Him in Judea and
The Holy Gospel According to St Luke 5:1–11 Galilee.
Many of them were present and witnessed the Divine Miracles He
The Miraculous Catch performed. They saw how our Loving, Kind and Compassionate
Lord treated all men, women and children – without any
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἑστὼς ὁ Ἰησοῦς At that time, …as Jesus stood by
discrimination at all.
παρὰ τὴν Λίμνην Γεννησαρέτ, the Lake of Gennesaret He
• All the Faithful Disciples of Christ knew that the “…the Chief Priests
εἶδε δύο πλοῖα ἑστῶτα παρὰ τὴν beheld two boats standing by and our Rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and
Λίμνην· the Lake. crucified Him…”
Οἱ δὲ ἁλιεῖς ἀποβάντες ἀπ’ αὐτῶν The Fishermen had gone from • Everyone knew that “…the Chief Priests and our Rulers…” were
ἀπέπλυνον τὰ δίκτυα. them and were washing their entirely responsible for the Death of our Lord – not the Judean
people who were falsely led by them.
nets.
• The people believed and trusted these religious and secular leaders,
Ἐμβὰς δὲ εἰς ἓν τῶν πλοίων, ὃ ἦν He got into one of the boats, which rather than our Lord Himself, because they thought they knew
Σίμωνος, ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ was Simon’s, and asked him to ‘the Truth.’
τῆς γῆς ἐπαναγαγεῖν ὀλίγον· put out a little from the land. • To this very day, this is the infinite difference between DIVINE
Καὶ καθίσας ἐδίδασκεν ἐκ τοῦ And sitting down, He taught the TRUTH and mankind’s opinion.
πλοίου τοὺς ὄχλους. multitudes from the boat.
• The Judean enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ who paid Judas Iscariot
to betray Him, were “… the Chief Priests, Captains of the Temple
Ὡς δὲ ἐπαύσατο λαλῶν, εἶπε πρὸς When He had stopped speaking, He and the Elders…” [Luke 22:52]
τὸν Σίμωνα· “Ἐπανάγαγε εἰς τὸ said to Simon: “Launch into the They were corrupt, greedy and self-serving – enriching and
βάθος καὶ χαλάσατε τὰ δίκτυα deep, and let down your nets empowering themselves at the cost of the people by using their
ὑμῶν εἰς ἄγραν.” influential positions in society and at the Temple, instead of
for a catch.”
serving Almighty God and the needs of His Faithful People.
Καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς Σίμων εἶπεν αὐτῷ· And Simon answered and said to (Similar to so many self-appointed miscreants these days, who
“Ἐπιστάτα, διʼ ὅλης νυκτὸς Him: “Master, we have toiled all claim to be ’Christian,’ but only misuse our Lord’s Sacred Name to
κοπιάσαντες οὐδὲν ἐλάβομεν· night and caught nothing;
deceive the people and enrich themselves.)
ἐπὶ δὲ τῷ Ῥήματί Σου χαλάσω τὸ nevertheless, at Thy Word I shall
• The “Rulers” were
δίκτυον.” 1. The Tetrarch of Galilee, Herod Antipas, the self-entitled ‘King,’
let down the net.” whose family had rejected the Old Covenant Faith and
Καὶ τοῦτο ποιήσαντες συνέκλεισαν And when they had done this, they accepted Roman authority. In 39 AD he was stripped of all
πλῆθος ἰχθύων πολύ· titles and possessions, and exiled to Spain, where he died -
caught a great number of fish.
miserable and destitute.
Διεῤῥήγνυτο δὲ τὸ δίκτυον αὐτῶν. Their net was breaking.
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 2. The fifth Roman Governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, who served • Holy Tradition means everything that our Lord Jesus Christ taught
under the Roman Emperor Tiberius from 26 – 37 AD. His Holy Apostles, and which they in turn taught the Faithful
• The unjustified and utterly illegal arrest, trial and crucifixion of our Disciples under the Divine Inspiration of God the Holy Spirit
Lord Jesus Christ was eventually reported by St Mary of Magdala according to their Instructions to the Faithful and by means of
to the Emperor in Rome. As a consequence, both Herod Antipas their Epistles and Writings.
and Pontius Pilate were stripped of all their titles, wealth and • Under the Sacred Guidance and Grace of God the Holy Spirit we
possessions before being exiled to Spain, where they suffered a are able to adhere to Holy Tradition as it is present in the
wretched, impoverished existence until they finally perished. Writings of the Holy Apostles and is ever present in the Holy
• Crucifixion was the cruellest execution for the worst criminals in the Church of Christ to which the Divine Truth is Promised.
Roman Empire. Everyone was shocked, therefore, when Christ  John 16:13 “… when He, the Spirit of Truth has come, He shall
our Lord was condemned to scourging and crucifixion. Guide you into all Truth, for He shall not speak on His own
• The Judean Priests and leaders used the Romans to execute our Lord Authority, but whatever He hears, He shall speak, and He shall
in this most terrible, brutal manner, which showed the depth of tell you things to come.”
their hatred and depravity. • Because God the Holy Spirit is the “… Spirit of Truth…” and
 “…We were hoping that it was He Who was going to Deliver Israel….” because He abides in the Holy Church of Christ, It is the
Righteous Guardian of all Divine Truth.
• At that stage the Old Covenant Judeans still regarded our Lord Jesus
as a Great Holy Prophet of God Who would Redeem Israel and
liberate the people from the oppressive domination of the Roman St Timothy accompanied St Paul on many of his Missionary Journeys.
Empire. His Righteous Mother, St Eunice, and Grandmother, St Lois, were regarded as
eminently Faithful Disciples for their sincere Piety. [2 Timothy 1:5]
Their hopes were probably of a nationalistic (political and worldly)
Nothing is known concerning St Timothy’s father except that he was a Greek.
sense rather than the Spiritual Reality and Truth concerning all
[Acts 16:1]
mankind’s Eternal Salvation. St Timothy was first mentioned during St Paul’s second visit to the Christian
• By Living in Christ Jesus, we are certainly Strengthened and Community of Lystra, where St Timothy resided with his family. He was
Empowered to overcome all worldly and spiritual obstacles that converted to our Faith by St Paul during his first visit. [1 Timothy 1: 2 & 2
threaten to overwhelm us. Timothy 3:11]
St Paul was so impressed with St Timothy whom he regarded as his “…own son in
• The first Passover/Pascha was prior to the Old Covenant Israel – the
the Faith…” that he invited him to accompany him on his Missionary Journeys,
Chosen People of God – being Delivered/liberated from the
after having St Timothy circumcised in order to satisfy the demands of the
enslavement and oppressive life in Egypt when they were led by legalistic Judeans. [Acts 16:3]
Holy Prophets of God to “the Promised Land of milk and honey.” St Timothy was designated as an Evangelist, and travelled with St Paul to Phrygia,
• The second Pascha Delivers us - who are the New Covenant ‘Israel’, Galatia, Mysia, Troas, Philippi, and Berea. [Acts 17:14]
the Faithful Disciples of God - from the enslavement and They finally arrived in Athens and St Paul then sent St Timothy, together with St
oppressive worldly life of temptations and sins to the Promised Silas, to Thessaloniki, to continue their Sacred Mission. [Acts 17:15 & 1
Land of our Heavenly Father’s Eternal Kingdom of Love. Thessalonians 3:2]
St Timothy also accompanied St Paul to Corinth. [1 Thessalonians 1:1 & 2
 “…Besides all this, today is the Third Day since these things
Thessalonian 1:1]
happened. However, some Women of our company, astonished us, After some time, St Timothy once again accompanied St Paul to Ephesos, and was
having gone earlier to the Tomb, and when they did not find His sent to Macedonia. [Acts 19:22]
Body, they beheld a Vision of Angels who said He is alive! …” He continued to accompany St Paul in Asia Minor, where they spent a considerable
• ‘The Third Day’ after the Crucifixion of Christ was also the first day amount of time, teaching and administering to the Holy Flock of Christ.
of the week, which is Sunday, the Lord’s Day, which is dedicated After the arrest and imprisonment of St Paul in Rome, St Timothy went to him
to God and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. and was also incarcerated for a time. [Philemon 1:1 & Hebrews 13:23]
During St Paul’s second imprisonment, while awaiting his execution, the Holy
• The Sabbath Day of rest is Saturday on which our Lord rested in His Apostle asked St Timothy to visit him as soon as possible, which he did, taking
Tomb. Thus we Commemorate the Church Triumphant on with him certain things St Paul had left behind at Troas, including his cloak
Saturdays, while preparing ourselves – the Church Militant - by and various parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13]
Fasting and self-examination and/or Repentance-Confession in St Paul had Ordained St Timothy as the Bishop of Ephesos in 65, where he
order to partake of Holy Communion/Eucharist on Sunday, which faithfully served Christ’s Holy Flock for 15 years.
begins with the Resurrection Vespers at sunset.

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 1 Corinthians 11:2 “… remember me in all things and keep the • The Eight Holy Myrrhbearing Women, were led by our Lady,
Traditions just as I delivered them to you…” Theotokos, who, being naturally humble, preferred staying in the
• “Remember” is used often in our Liturgical Prayers. The background. Thus, if She is mentioned, it was always in an
Corinthians constantly prayed for St Paul in their corporate obscure manner. St Mary Magdalene, a mature, wealthy,
Prayers. We continue this Holy Tradition by praying for our courageous and independent woman, was a close companion of
Patriarch and Bishops, for we are under their Holy Guidance our Lady. The other Women were related to St Joseph the
and Authority. Betrothed and his late wife, St Salome (daughters and sister in
law.)
• “…keep the Traditions…” refers to being Obedient to the Divine
Truth that Christ’s Apostles taught, for not only must we • The Apostles and Disciples were understandably “…astonished…”
listen carefully to the Teachings and Commandments of our when St Mary of Magda told them what they had Experienced and
Lord God, but we must Strive constantly to fulfil them with witnessed at the Empty Tomb.
our thoughts, words and deeds. This is Life in Christ.  “…And some of those who were with us went to the Tomb and found
•“Delivered” [‘paredoka’] referred to the authentic Apostolic it just as the Women had said. Him they did not see...”
Tradition/Teachings that all the Holy Apostles passed on to • Most of the men refused to believe the Women, except St Simon Peter
the Faithful Disciples of Christ. and St John the Beloved Disciple, who immediately ran to the
 2 Thessalonians 2:15 “… stand fast and hold the Tradition, which Empty Tomb and confirmed what the Holy Myrrhbearers had told
you were taught, whether by word or our Epistle.” them.
 2 Thessalonians 3:6 “…we command you, Brethren, in the Name • St Simon Peter had stood outside the Empty Tomb, peering to see
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every Brother what was inside, until impulsively he entered, and also persuaded
who walks disorderly and not according to the Tradition that he St John to do so as well, whereupon they both saw the abandoned
received from us!” linen Shroud, burial wrappings and inner face cloth – the
• There are two ‘Traditions:’ Mandylion – folded neatly and placed to one side, (with an Image of
1. The tradition of mankind, which is soundly condemned by our our Lord’s Face clearly imprinted, as similarly, was the entire Image of His
Lord Who described it as “… teaching as doctrines the Crucified Body imprinted on the 14 foot long Burial Shroud.)
commandments of men…” [Matthew 15:1-9]  “…He said to them: ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in
 Isaiah 29:13 “… these people draw near to Me with the mouth, everything spoken by the Prophets…”
and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. • These “…foolish ones…” were two lifelong Old Covenant Faithful
And in vain they worship Me, teaching as Doctrines the Judeans who had grown up hearing, reading and being instructed
commandments of men!” by the Divinely Inspired words of the Holy Prophets of God, who
 Colossians 2:8 “… Beware lest anyone cheat you through had been sent to Guide and prepare God’s Chosen People for the
philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, Coming of our Great Divine Messiah.
according to the basic principles of the world, and not according • They had also been immeasurably Blessed by being close Disciples of
to Christ!” our Lord Jesus for so many years, witnessing first hand His Divine
• The basic principles of the world include Truth, yet they remained sceptical or doubtful about Identity and
a) The basic elements of matter Truth concerning our Great Divine Saviour.
b) The laws that regulate the universe, including those • We cannot imagine how frustrated our infinitely Patient and Loving
conditioning fallen human life, such as death, sin, the flesh, Lord God must have been when those who had spent so much
and the Mosaic Law time with Him - hearing, seeing and learning His Divine Truth
c) The spirits who use these conditions to oppose our Lord Jesus directly from Him, yet still unable to grasp it and sincerely
Christ and are at the core of the pagan cults and systems of Believe.
knowledge
d) Human traditions, which are opposed to God’s Sacred
 “…Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into
His Glory?...”
Tradition.
2. The Sacred Tradition of the Holy Apostles, which is very • The term “…the Christ…” refers to the Anointed One of God Who is
carefully preserved by the Holy Church of Christ, for our our Divine Messiah/Saviour Who was awaited for so many
Lord God is Its Source. centuries by the Old Covenant Israelites according to the Divine
Promise of our Lord God.

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 • He was the Ultimate, most perfect Sacrificial ‘Lamb of God’ Who • Thus the worse we suffer persecution, the harder we must Strive
…“suffered these things…” in order to “…enter into His Glory….” to apply Christ’s Divine Teachings and Commandments to our
• The Glory of Almighty God is the Salvation of His beloved mankind thoughts, words and deeds, while constantly Praying for Divine
when we Repent our sins and Live according to and in imitation of Mercy and Forgiveness.
our Lord Jesus Christ, thereby becoming His worthy Co-Heirs as • Furthermore, constant Repentance of our sins is essential because
the adopted Children of our Heavenly Father. unrepented sins – a state of Spiritual Death - make us
• God the Eternal Son and Word of God our Heavenly Father vulnerable to the Spiritual Warfare that is perpetually aimed
voluntarily became Incarnate - “the Son of Man” – so that He against us.
could live in our midst, enduring our weak human conditions, in • The evil one lures and attacks those who are actually beginning to
order to Teach us Divine Love and Truth before His unjustified, make good Spiritual Progress, yet does not bother with those
illegal arrest, trial and sentencing to inhumane scourging and who are already enslaved by him.
death by crucifixion.  “…Evil men and imposters shall go from bad to worse – deceivers
• Our Lord Jesus Christ, being God and Man, is Glorified by our and deceived!”
Heavenly Father for His Salvific Mission that Saves all mankind • Our Lord Jesus Christ cautioned and prepared His Disciples for
from Eternal Condemnation due to our ancestral sin. the Spiritual Warfare waged against us, as well as the instigated
• However, due to our free will, we are continuously tempted into sin. wickedness perpetrated against all mankind, that began in
Therefore, our Salvation is a continuous Spiritual Process those early days, which would continue unabated throughout
because: the centuries until His Second Appearance in all His Divine
1. We are Saved by the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Glory.
Chrismation. • For this exact reason, we all need to cling to our Lord and Struggle
2. We are being Saved by our ceaseless Struggle against and Strive ceaselessly, while continuously Repenting our sins
temptations and sin - by constant self-examination and and Reconciling ourselves with our Lord God and our fellow
Repentance-Confession – and by Striving to Live in Christ, mankind.
applying His Divine Teachings to our thoughts, words and
deeds. • Whenever we act selfishly, hypocritically or arrogantly, we turn
3. We Hope to be Saved by acquiring Agape - Spiritual away from God and commit the sins that the evil one has
Perfection/Theosis/Deification through our Life in Christ. invented to destroy everything that is good in this life.
• When Christ was Resurrected in all His Divine Glory and Power, He  “…You must continue in what you have learnt, and have firmly
smashed open the Gates of Hades and set the Righteous free, believed, knowing from whom you learnt them, and how – from
granting them Peaceful Rest in Paradise, which He has re-opened. childhood – you have known Holy Scripture, which are able to
instruct you for Salvation through Faith in Christ Jesus our
• The Resurrection of Christ and our own future Resurrection is how Lord.”
we enter into the Glorified Order of Existence – Eternal Life in the
Heavenly Kingdom of Love. • St Paul exhorted and encouraged St Timothy with reminder of his
own unwavering Steadfastness despite the innumerable
 “…And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to problems that had confronted him since he himself became a
them all the Scriptures concerning Himself …” Faithful Disciple of Christ, he then referred to the Teaching and
• After having censured the Disciples for their weakness of Faith and personal Experience St Timothy had had, which combined both
lack of understanding, for the rest of the day, our Lord Jesus the Oral and Written Instruction he had received from his
explained all the Prophecies of the Old Covenant Scriptures that Faithful Mother and Grandmother, as well as St Paul.
were fulfilled through His Passion and Resurrection, “… beginning • Furthermore, having accompanied St Paul on his Missionary
with Moses…” Journeys, St Timothy had experienced the Struggles and
• The Old Covenant Scriptures are not merely the historical records of Strivings together with St Paul for a considerable amount of
the Israelites – the Chosen People of God – but also a means of time. So he was as Enlightened and Experienced as many other
preparing the Faithful People for the Coming of the Great Holy Apostles of Christ who were spreading the Divine Gospel
Messiah/Saviour. of Christ throughout the known world according to our Lord’s
• The Holy Prophets of God put the “…fear of God…” into the people Great Commission. [Matthew 28: 16 – 20]
by portraying Him as a ‘vengeful’ God Who punished those who
dared to disobey His Divine Will.
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 “…Timothy, my son, you have carefully followed my Teachings, • In ancient times, people were terrified by and thus forced to obey the
manner of life, Purpose, Faith, Longsuffering, Love, Patience, will of very powerful, cruel Rulers who severely punished anyone
persecutions and afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, who dared to rebel. Thus, Almighty God was regarded as being
at Iconium, at Lystra…” the most strict and severe of all – Merciful and Just - until He was
• St Paul addressed this Epistle to “… Timothy, my Son…” because disobeyed or opposed!
St Timothy was one of his beloved Spiritual Children. • The ‘fear of God’ was a terrifying anxiety until our Lord Jesus Christ
• “Διδασκαλίᾳ” means “Teachings” although it is sometimes revealed His infinite Love for all mankind. God IS Love, so
translated as “Doctrines.” anything negative, cruel or evil is absolutely opposed to His
Divine Nature. Now our ‘…Fear of God…’ means that we only fear
• St Paul’s Teachings first and foremost concerned the Divine or are afraid of disappointing our Heavenly Father Who Loves us
Truth/Teachings of Christ our Lord, and also included his own despite our sinfulness and ingratitude.
Spiritual Experiences that spurred him onto even greater Feats
of Faith.  “…And drawing near to the village where they were going, He
indicated that He would have gone further. And they constrained
• St Paul’s “… manner of Life, Purpose, Faith, Longsuffering, Love, Him, saying: “Abide with us, for it is nearly evening, and the day is
Patience, persecutions and afflictions…” exhibit exactly what far spent.” And He went in to stay with them…”
our Lord Jesus Christ told His Faithful Apostles to expect, for
in this fallen world, Godliness elicits persecution. • Our Lord Jesus Christ never forces Himself on us.
 John 15:20: “… Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant • He waits for us to welcome Him with warm, loving heart, or He
is not greater than his Master.’ If they persecuted Me, they shall ‘…knocks at the door…’ of our heart, and waits patiently for us to
also persecute you. If they kept My Word, they shall keep yours invite Him in.
also. But all these things they shall do to you for My Sake • And if we choose not to welcome Him, He shall leave us until we
because they do not know Him Who sent Me…” realise we are utterly bereft and destitute without His Divine
 “…What persecutions I endured – and out of them all, our Lord Love.
Delivered me…”  “…And as He sat at the table with them, He took bread, Blessed it and
• Although St Paul and those who accompanied him on his broke it, and gave it to them…”
Missionary Journeys certainly suffered intensive, cruel and • Our Lord Jesus prayed and broke bread with them in the same
brutal persecutions and humiliations, they were Spiritually manner as He had done before – especially during His Last
Strengthened by our Lord God, Who Empowered and Enabled Supper with them.
them to endure and not be defeated nor overwhelmed but • Our Lord Jesus Christ’s Actions and the Experience of sharing their
rather to be encouraged to continue the Divine Salvific Mission supper with Him imaged the Holy Eucharist - Holy Communion –
of our Lord Jesus Christ. as He had taught them before His Passion.
When we commit ourselves with all due Humility and Obedience,
to fulfilling the Will of God our Heavenly Father, we shall • The original Institution of the Holy Mystery of Eucharist at the “Last
indeed be Empowered and Enabled to do so despite our own Supper’ is solemnly Commemorated every year on Holy Thursday,
personal weaknesses, for without a doubt, the Lord our God as well as at every Divine Liturgy throughout the year.
certainly makes even the most impossible things possible for • When we become Faithful Disciples of Christ, we shall imitate Him
us to accomplish for His Glory, Honour and Worship. with our thoughts, words and deeds, doing everything in all
 “…And all who desire a Godly Life in Christ Jesus shalt suffer circumstances according to His Divine Truth and Teachings.
persecution...”  “…Their eyes were opened and they recognised Him. And He
• The more we commit ourselves to Live in Christ Jesus, the more vanished from their sight…”
difficult our Struggles against temptations and our own • Only at that precise moment, did St Cleopas and St Luke suddenly
grievous passions become. recognise our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.
• Persecution is not only due to people who seek to destroy, harm • God knows exactly when we are ready and able to receive His Divine
or threaten us, but especially due to the evil one’s wicked Truth and Reality.
machinations against all mankind. He makes full use of wicked • Only then - according to the Will of our Heavenly Father - shall God
human beings who are doing his evil work against us. He also bestow these on us by the Grace and Power of God the Holy Spirit.
uses our own flaws and weaknesses – our grievous passions –
against us.
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 “…And they said to one another: “Did not our hearts burn within us
while He spoke with us on the road, and while He opened the
Scriptures to us?”
• When the Holy Scriptures are taught correctly and received with Second Epistle of St Paul to St Timothy 3 : 10 – 15
sincere Faith in God, we shall Experience the inescapable Effect of
hearing the Divine Truth, which Spiritually Transforms and Τέκνον Τιμόθεε, παρηκολούθηκάς Timothy, my son, you have
Uplifts us to another Mysterious Level of Devotion. μου τῇ Διδασκαλίᾳ, τῇ Ἀγωγῇ, carefully followed my Teachings,
• This was indeed the Divine Effect when Christ Enlightened not only τῇ προθέσει, τῇ Πίστει, τῇ manner of life, Purpose, Faith,
His Faithful Disciples, but also the Old Covenant Priests whose Μακροθυμίᾳ, τῇ Ἀγάπῃ, τῇ Longsuffering, Love, Patience,
hearts and souls were receptive to His Divine Truth and Love. Ὑπομονῇ, τοῖς διωγμοῖς, τοῖς persecutions and afflictions,
• This Heart Burning is truly the Spiritual Conviction that the Sacred παθήμασιν, οἷά μοι ἐγένοντο ἐν which happened to me at
Words and Promises are Absolutely True! Ἀντιοχείᾳ, ἐν Ἰκονίῳ, ἐν Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra.
 2 Titus 2:15: “… Be diligent to present yourself Approved to Λύστροις·
God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the Word of Truth…” Οἵους διωγμοὺς ὑπήνεγκα καὶ ἐκ What persecutions I endured – and
This last phrase of this verse is quoted in an Orthodox Liturgical πάντων με ἐῤῥύσατο ὁ Κύριος. out of them all, our Lord
Prayer for our Ordained Bishops. Delivered me.
• At each Holy Eucharist, as we continue to Partake of our Lord’s Life- Καὶ πάντες δὲ οἱ θέλοντες And all who desire a Godly Life in
giving Supper, our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ comes to open
our eyes to His Mystical Presence, whereupon our hearts ought to
Εὐσεβῶς Ζῆν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ Christ Jesus shalt suffer
“…Burn….” with the depth and warmth of His Divine Love. διωχθήσονται· persecution.
• Any Encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ Spiritually Transforms Πονηροὶ δὲ ἄνθρωποι καὶ γόητες Evil men and imposters shalt go
us with indescribable and immeasurable Love, Joy and Peace that προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον, from bad to worse – deceivers
compels us to do everything possible to fulfil His Divine Will in all πλανῶντες καὶ πλανώμενοι!
circumstances. and deceived!
 “…And they arose that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and Σὺ δὲ μένε ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες καὶ You must continue in what you
found the Eleven and those who were with them gathered together, ἐπιστώθης, εἰδὼς παρὰ τίνος have learnt, and have firmly
saying: “The Lord is Risen indeed, and has Appeared to Simon! ἔμαθες, καὶ ὅτι ἀπὸ βρέφους τὰ believed, knowing from whom
And they related all the things that had happened along the road, Ἰερὰ Γράμματα οἶδας, τὰ you learnt them, and how – from
and how He was known to them by the breaking of bread…”
δυνάμενά Σε σοφίσαι εἰς childhood – you have known
• Despite the sun having already set, St Cleophas and St Luke returned Σωτηρίαν διὰ Πίστεως τῆς ἐν Holy Scripture, which are able to
as quickly as they could to Jerusalem – a seven mile journey that
had taken them several hours before. Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν. instruct you for Salvation
• People seldom travelled after dark for fear of robbers or other through Faith in Christ Jesus our
dangers but the overwhelming Joy of these two Faithful Disciples Lord.
compelled them to return to the other Disciples, who had
gathered in Jerusalem, to confirm the Good News of the Holy The Second Epistle of St Paul to St Timothy was written circa 65 – 67 during St
Myrrhbearers by narrating their own Marvellous Encounter with Paul’s imprisonment and suffering, before his execution in Rome.
our Resurrected Lord Jesus. St Paul encouraged and urged St Timothy, and various others who would
eventually read this Epistle, to overcome all difficulties that confront us while
• Although the Apostles and Disciples were hiding away from the we Strive to Fulfil the Sacred Salvific Ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Judean and Roman authorities, they located “the Eleven” Apostles God the Holy Spirit grants His Ordained, Holy Priesthood many Spiritual Gifts
of Christ who had not yet elected another Apostle to replace that Empower them to sustain and carefully preserve the Living Tradition of
Judas Iscariot. Christ’s Holy Church.
• “Simon” or “Symeon” was a family or surname of St Cleopas, for Only by Living according to and fulfilling the complete Sacred Tradition of the
Holy Orthodox Church does Christ’s Church remain essentially as She was at
many people were known by more than one name.
Her Inception.

12.17AP-1 LU KE M IRACUL OU S CA TC H – 24 S EP TE MBER 2023 17AP-1 LUK E M IRACU LOUS C ATC H – 24 S E P TEM BE R 2023 13.